As a child I began coin collecting, and today, as an adult, I still treasure my Mercury dimes, Wheatback cents (pennies), Buffalo nickels, Standing Liberty quarters and my many other coins and bills from around the world.
As you learn more of the history, stories and details that is American numismatics, you’ll start to build a collection that best fits your interest and your wallet.
Secondly, studying coins will guide your collecting efforts and purchases. Every coin has a story. There are the 3-cent pieces that were driven by the price of postage stamps and having friends in high places, or the “racketeer nickels” that were 5-cent pieces colored gold by thieves that forced the mint to change their coins, and the designer vain enough to put his initials on his coins without asking permission, for just a few examples.
“>coin dealer Advance near you, or a coin show, go. Browse, ask questions, get to know the proprietors and learn. You don’t have to buy anything. Get to know what you’re doing first.
There are several ways to collect coins. Most coin collectors start by examining pocket change and circulating coins looking for anything rare and worth keeping. I once found a 1918 Lincoln Cent in a parking lot, but that doesn’t happen very often.
Do not forget to thoroughly inspect a particular dealer’s policies before returning an item. Make sure that once you receive your coin, immediately inspect it for authenticity or damage. The coin you must have must be just as you ordered and what you expected.
